NBA Swing: Westbrook Climbs All-Time Lists While Orlando Topples the Joker

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The NBA’s Saturday slate was defined by historic milestones, the return of a superstar, and a high-stakes duel in Orlando that saw a young star outshine a three-time MVP.

The Top Story: Westbrook Passes Magic, Kings Edge Mavs

In Sacramento, Russell Westbrook made history. With a nine-assist performance in a 113–107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Westbrook moved past Magic Johnson (10,141) for 7th place on the NBA’s all-time assists list.

Westbrook finished with 21 points and 9 assists, showing he still has plenty of “Brodie” left in the tank. The Kings also got a boost from Keon Ellis, who hit five triples for 21 points. For Dallas, rookie Cooper Flagg continued his sensational debut season with 23 points and 6 rebounds, but the Mavericks couldn’t overcome 19 turnovers in the loss.

Game Recaps & Results

Game	Score	Key Takeaway
Bucks @ Bulls	112 – 103	Giannis returns with 29 PTS; snaps Bulls’ 5-game streak.
Nuggets @ Magic	126 – 127	Anthony Black (38 PTS) outduels Jokic’s 34/21/12 night.
Mavericks @ Kings	107 – 113	Westbrook moves to 7th all-time in assists.
Knicks @ Hawks	128 – 125	KAT drops 36 to silence a rowdy Atlanta crowd.
Suns @ Pelicans	123 – 114	Phoenix overcomes 24 from Trey Murphy III.
Cavs @ Rockets	100 – 117	Durant leads Houston to dominant home win.
Pacers @ Heat	116 – 142	Miami explodes for 142 behind Jaquez Jr.’s 28.
Nets @ Wolves	123 – 107	Cam Thomas pours in 30 in Minneapolis.
Jazz @ Spurs	127 – 114	Markkanen (29) outlasts Wemby (32).

The “Greek Freak” Returns with a Bang

After missing eight games with a calf strain, Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t skip a beat. In just 25 minutes of action, he led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112–103 win over the Chicago Bulls, tallying 29 points and 8 rebounds.

The game ended with significant tension; as the buzzer sounded, players from both sides had to be separated following a late-game windmill dunk by Giannis that the Bulls took as a sign of disrespect. “The goal is to stay healthy and be available,” Giannis said post-game, shrugging off the late-game drama.

Young Magic Stuns the Joker

The game of the night took place in Orlando, where Anthony Black delivered a career-high 38 points to lead the Magic to a thrilling 127–126 win over Denver.

The victory spoiled another historic night for Nikola Jokic, who recorded his 180th career triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists. It was Jokic’s eighth 30-20-10 game, placing him second all-time behind only Wilt Chamberlain (16). Despite the Joker’s brilliance, Desmond Bane iced the game for Orlando with two clutch free throws with 6.9 seconds remaining.

Stat of the Night

10,149: The new career assist total for Russell Westbrook, officially moving him ahead of Magic Johnson. Westbrook now trails only Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and John Stockton, on the Mount Rushmore of playmakers.